Attachment difficulties

Provision and / or strategies:

• Be aware that a child or young person with attachment difficulties may respond differently to behaviour strategies which work with others. Discuss this with your special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or Early Years Childhood Adviser (EYCA) if needed.
• Be aware that the child or young person may say they do not want the support offered. This doesn’t always mean that they don’t need it. Seek to support in more subtle ways, but do not withdraw support.
• Liaise with parent carers for shared understanding.
• Consider the family context and the range of children who may have attachment difficulties e.g. adopted, forces children, previously child in need, or a child who has experienced care.
• Check out whether your school / setting has had any attachment-based training or has appropriate resources which may be useful.
• Check the transition history of when the child started school / the setting to identify any issues.
• Use attachment informed strategies within class and develop a nurture group or foster a nurture ethos.
• Consider the appropriateness of existing discipline procedures / behaviour policies. Discuss an individual plan if necessary. The law states that ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ must be made.
• Liaise with the virtual school for care experienced children, educational psychology service (EPS), learning behaviour advisory team (LBAT) for training and support.

Last updated 3 November 2021